Abstract: The invention describes a safety replaceable heel mechanism that is used to adjust the height of women's shoes. The mechanism comprises a shoe sole, a removable heel comprising a heel connector and a interchangeable heel, and a locking key to securely connect the removable heel to the shoe sole. The heel is detached and the shoe can be worn without the heel, providing a pair of shoes suitable for different occasions. The invention is provides a stable structure avoiding unwanted movement of the removable heel for adjusting the comfort of a particular pair of shoes during the course of a day.

Abstract: A heel attachment assembly for detachably engaging a shoe receptacle member with a heel member. The heel attachment assembly is configured to be disposed in a sole portion of a shoe receptacle member. The heel attachment assembly includes a spring loaded locking pin having a first end and a second end. The spring loaded locking pin is moveable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position such that when in its first unlocked position the first end is in disengagement with a shoe heel and when in its second position is in engagement with a shoe heel fitted adjacent the heel attachment assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe with a replaceable screw-on heel.

Abstract: A footwear comprises a sole and a heel provided with a first heel portion fixed to said sole, said heel comprising a second heel portion, rotatable around a hinge device and adjustable from a first position, in which said second heel portion protrudes transversely from said sole, to a second position in which said second heel portion is rotated to said sole; a footwear comprises a sole provided with a heel, and a support portion connected to said sole on which a further heel is obtained shaped to supportingly receive said heel.

Abstract: A transformable shoe described wherein can transform into different heel heights. It is a shoe wherein the heel is detached or attached that transforms the shoe into heels of varying heights. The frame of the shoe contains two independent soles that are pivotally connected via a hinge. The two independent shoe soles will vary angles via the hinge upon attaching or detaching of the heel. Heels of varying heights can be attached to the bottom of the sole. The hinge connecting the two independent soles will rotate according to the height of the heels attached to the sole. The heel upon detachment from the shoe can be stowed by the person separately.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a group of interchangeable heels. Each heel in the group may be removably associated with the article of footwear. A finger-operable locking mechanism prevents a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving toward a toe region. Similarly, a tab positioned at the rear of the article of footwear inhibits a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving away from the toe region.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for incorporation into a shoe, in particular a ladies shoe, comprises a base having at least an arch portion and a heel portion, and a heel, which is adjustable between a first, relatively low position and a second, relatively high position. The heel is at least partially detachable from the base and, once at least partially detached, is freely rotatable or rotatable about a pivot that is movable with respect to the base.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel that may be removably secured to a heel region of a shoe sole, thus, allowing a user to adjust a way the shoe engages a ground surface. The shoe includes an attachment system for removably securing the removable and interchangeable heel to the heel region of the shoe sole, the attachment system comprising a magnetic fastener between the removable and interchangeable heel and the heel region of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A slip-on, slip-off stabilizing support accessory for a stiletto heel. The device is a unitary molding of semi-rigid, resilient plastic material formed with a generally hourglass configuration, with outwardly concave, resiliently flexible side walls for frictionally engaging opposite sides of a stiletto heel. An outwardly flared top opening facilitates application of the device to the heel, while an outwardly flaring bottom configuration provides a greatly enlarged ground contact area. Front and back edges of the side walls are of outwardly concave shape. Front and back wall structures, formed by relatively narrow, spaced-apart elements, enable the side walls to be flexed for easy application to heels of various sizes, while firmly gripping heels of the smallest size.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper; a bottom located below the upper and facing the ground; and a flexible plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior portion and peripheral portions is disclosed. The flexible plate is positioned between at least a portion of the bottom and at least a portion of the upper. The peripheral portions are restrained from movement in a substantially vertical direction relative to the interior portion, so that the interior portion is capable of being deflected relative to the peripheral portions in a substantially vertical direction. The flexible plate has a width that is greater than one-half the width of the upper. At least one opening is in the bottom of the shoe. The lower surface of the flexible plate is in air communication with the outside of the shoe through the at least one opening in the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The removable shoe provides for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

Abstract: A convertible shoe includes a shoe base having shoe base surfaces; fastener structures; at least two interchangeable shoe parts removably attachable with the fastener structures to at least one of the base surfaces to selectively produce a desired shoe configuration. The shoe base preferably includes an elongate panel having substantially the shape and size of a shoe sole for a given user, and the base surfaces to which the fastener structures are secured include longitudinal panel side surfaces, panel front and rear surfaces and panel top and bottom surfaces. The shoe parts preferably include a number of shoe top structures of various configurations and a number of shoe bottom structures of various configurations.

Abstract: A footwear system (S) and corresponding methods (M1) and (M2) for providing a plethora of footwear fashion options via a plurality of interchangeable components, the interchangeability of which being facilitated by structurally stable quick-coupling and quick-decoupling techniques. The system (S) includes a plurality of interchangeable uppers (100), a plurality of interchangeable heels (200), and a quick-release device (300) for easily and selectively engaging a heel (200) of the plurality of interchangeable heels (200) with an upper (100) of the plurality of interchangeable uppers (100). The quick-release device (300) has a safety feature for providing structural stability.

Abstract: A shoe (1), having a toe section (2), and a heel section (3). The heel section (3), either totally or partly detachable from the toe section (2). Once at least partly detached, the shoe may be easily slipped onto the foot of a wearer, without the wearer having to bend or apply pressure to their foot to install or remove the shoe. In the embodiments in which the shoe is partly detached, the heel section (3) may be rotated relative to the toe section (2), either sideways or downwards. The detachable fastening means (4) may incorporate zippers, Velcro™ or other fastening means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a ladies shoe to be constructed of a heel comprising multiple heel columns each attached as desired by the user to attain the preferred heel length.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and claim replaceable heel system for footwear that includes a plurality of heel bodies. The heel bodies are interchangeably and demountably connectable to footwear. A rigid orthotic plate that is positionably insertable in the footwear for distributing forces longitudinally and laterally during use of the footwear. In one aspect, a compressible spring is positionable in the plurality of heel bodies to relieve pain during use of the footwear. In another embodiment opposing pressure connectable and detachable members are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear. In an alternative aspect a flared plug and hollow receptacle are provided to demountably connect the heel bodies to the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel includes a first fixed heel disposed on a heel bottom portion of the shoe. The fixed heel includes a first fastener disposed therein. A second removable and interchangeable heel has a cooperating second fastener disposed therein that is engageable with the first fastener to secure the removable heel to the fixed heel, thereby increasing the effective height of the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe (10) which has a sole (12) with a toe portion (14), a heel portion (16) and an arch portion (18) located between them. A two part heel (20) which has a low heel block (22) attached to the heel portion of the sole and includes a slot (42) formed therein. A high heel extension piece (24) is attached to the low heel block through a support beam (38) having a substantially rectangular cross-section. The support beam (38) is capable of limited axial and pivotal movement within slot. The dimensions of the support beam (38) and the slot (42) prevent rotational movement of the high heel extension piece (24) about its central axis. The high heel extension piece (24) can be pivoted relative to the sole (12) between a first position wherein it underlies and is in alignment with the low heel block (22) and a second position wherein it lies substantially beneath the arch portion (18) of said sole.

Abstract: A shoe heel structure includes a heel having a first hole with a thread thereon and a heeltap having a first screw. The first screw is being inserted into and engaged with the first hole. The wearer is able to remove an old heeltap from the heel and then assemble a new heeltap onto the same heel. In a further embodiment, the heeltap can be further guaranteed with a more secure fixation with the heel in the heel structure using a second screw and a second hole.

Abstract: A novelty footwear construction includes a cassette-like heel component which is sandwiched between a mid-sole and an outsole for supporting the heel of a user, and wherein the heel component includes an upper retainer, a lower retainer, and a hollow flask for supporting the heel of a user and for providing the user with a source of fluid refreshment.

Abstract: A shoe with a replaceable toe portion or replaceable heel portion comprises a shoe body having a toe portion at a front end thereof; a heel portion at a rear end, a detachable toe portion and a detachable heel portion. Each of the toe portion, detachable toe portion, heel portion and detachable heel portion has a connection portion. The detachable toe portion can be attached to or detached from the connection portion of the toe portion and the detachable heel portion can be attached to or detached from the connection portion of the heel portion. The connection portions of the toe portion, detachable toe portion, heel portion and detachable heel portion are selected from screws, buttons, Velcros, buckles and zippers.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole member, at least one heel member, a front securing member, and optionally a forward tread member. Each heel member includes a column portion having a predetermined height and a blade portion having a predetermined slope. Each blade portion's slope corresponds to the respective column portion's height for providing a proper amount of arch support for a user's foot. The sole member has an arch region made of a flexible material that defines a sleeve for selectively receiving each respective blade portion. Each blade portion includes a flange extending longitudinally therealong, and the sleeve defines a complementary groove. When the sleeve receives a respective blade portion, the blade portion provides shape and structural support for the sole member. Means for releasably attaching the respective column portion to the sole member are utilized, and the front securing member may secure the sole member to the user's foot.

Abstract: A shoe incorporates a flexible member which, by itself, is capable of a variety of configurations. A heel incorporates a stiffening member which mechanically interlocks with the flexible member to both shape it and provide it with sufficient rigidity to support a foot. The heel can be detached from the flexible member to allow the replacement of one heel with a different heel.

Abstract: A heel support for an athletic shoe that in one embodiment includes a recumbent-U shaped member to assist in shock absorption. The member may include a tent-shaped wall with an upper perimeter in contact with a non-ground-engaging member.

Abstract: A heel support for an athletic shoe that in one embodiment includes a recumbent-U shaped member to assist in shock absorption. The member may include a tent-shaped wall with an opening exposing the interior of the member.

Abstract: A height adjustable flexible shoe including a shoe upper portion having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a body portion therebetween. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving a foot therein. The closed lower end has a toe portion and a back portion. The back portion has a first heel portion extending downwardly therefrom. The body portion is comprised of an adjustable elastomeric material. A second heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the first heel portion of the shoe upper portion. A third heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the second heel portion. The first, second, and third heel portions are of substantially equal heights to provide significant control over the inclination of the shoe.

Abstract: A heel surface element for a bowling shoe has a body defining an upper, attachment surface for attachment of the heel surface element upon a heel region of a bowling shoe and a lower, heel surface having a horseshoe-shape surface disposed for engagement upon a bowling alley approach surface during bowling motion and center region surface spaced from contact with the bowling alley approach surface. The center region surface is defined peripherally by the horseshoe-shape surface and extends from a heel front edge towards a heel rear edge. The horseshoe-shape surface tapers from a front thickness in a region adjacent the heel front edge to a second, relatively greater thickness in a region adjacent the heel rear edge. The heel front edge defines a notch extending toward the heel rear edge. The center region surface narrows, curving inwardly from the heel front edge toward the heel rear edge. Each of the heel surface and the horseshoe-shape surface has a rounded front or leading edge.

Abstract: A shoe including a plate capable of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major longitudinal axis of the shoe, an arch bridge integral with the plate, and a rear sole having a bottom surface with a ground-engaging portion including at least four portions each having a generally circular shape when viewed from beneath the bottom surface of the rear sole.

Abstract: A removable heel cushion is described. The cushion is comprised of a heel pocket and a resilient shock absorber configured for placement within the heel pocket. The assembled removable heel cushion is easily connected to a shoe by placing the heel pocket over the heel section of a shoe, whether the shoe is flat soled or has a heel, and then securing attachments, such as shoe laces or VELCRO™ tipped straps, over the upper section of the shoe. Resilient shock absorbers can vary from coiled springs to vacuum formed hemispheres customized to user preference. Shock absorbers can be frangibly attached to the heel pocket for replacement or additions according to user preferences.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A shoe (100) includes a heel base (120) having a front surface (122); a plate (200) having a front portion (210) and a rear portion (220) adjoining at a angle (285) of less than 90 degrees; and at least one replaceable heel (500). The replaceable heel (500) has a slot (520) in which the rear portion (220) of the plate (200) may be inserted. The front portion (210) of the plate (200) is attached to the front surface (122) of the heel base (120) so the replaceable heel (500) can be slid on or off the rear portion (220) of the plate. In one embodiment, the sole (140) of the shoe (100) has one or more gaps (146, 142) to enable it to flex as heel height is changed. In one embodiment, the shoe's upper (160) has a flexible strip (180) to curtail the strain on the upper (160) caused by changing heel heights. In one embodiment, a sliding restraint (130) at the back of the shoe (100) prevents the heel (500) from slipping off during wear.

Abstract: A removable heel cushion is described. The cushion is comprised of a heel pocket and a resilient shock absorber configured for placement within the heel pocket. The assembled removable heel cushion is easily connected to a shoe by placing the heel pocket over the heel section of a shoe, whether the shoe is flat soled or has a heel, and then securing attachments, such as shoe laces or VELCRO™ tipped straps, over the upper section of the shoe. Resilient shock absorbers can vary from coiled springs to vacuum formed hemispheres customized to user preference. Shock absorbers can be frangibly attached to the heel pocket for replacement or additions according to user preferences.

Abstract: A heel includes a member with a first surface having a fastening layer for removable attachment of the member to an outsole in two different positions, and a second surface having an outer layer with a first sliding characteristic in one position and a different sliding characteristic in another position. The removable heel provides bowlers with the flexibility to have one pair of shoes featuring different sliding characteristics to satisfy their needs in different lane surface conditions.

Abstract: A foot protector includes a resilient sheet member having a shape generally matching a shape of a sole of a foot and having a size generally corresponding to a size of the foot. The resilient sheet member has a foot-contact surface, and a tack adhesive layer is provided on at least a portion of the foot-contact surface. The foot protector is lightweight and readily removable and disposable. The foot protector readily conforms to the three-dimensional contours of the sole of the feet, allowing increased mobility of the foot and increased adhesion as a greater effective contact surface area is provided. The foot protector is also preferably of a substantially constant thickness to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A structure of a low to high heel shoe wherein a sole FIG. 1 having two semicircular “D” shaped punched holes on either side of the shank is formed in the rear of the shoe sole area, to receive a bolt fitting FIG. 2 having a bight slot and two opposing distal members, fitting through the punched holes and over the shoe shank thereby adjoining to the heel FIG. 4.

Abstract: A heel includes a member with a first surface having a fastening layer for removable attachment of the member to an outsole in two different positions, and a second surface having an outer layer with a first sliding characteristic in one position and a different sliding characteristic in another position. The removable heel provides bowlers with the flexibility to have one pair of shoes featuring different sliding characteristics to satisfy their needs in different lane surface conditions.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper portion positioned atop the sole. A number of pins extend downwardly from the sole. Two of the pins are flat plates positioned parallel to one another on opposite sides of the sole. Another one of the pins is positioned rearwardly of the first two at the center of the sole. A heel has a number of slots that snugly, yet releasably, receiving the pins.

Abstract: A height adjustable flexible shoe including a shoe upper portion having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a body portion therebetween. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving a foot therein. The closed lower end has a toe portion and a back portion. The back portion has a first heel portion extending downwardly therefrom. The body portion is comprised of an adjustable elastomeric material. A second heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the first heel portion of the shoe upper portion. A third heel portion is adapted for removably coupling with the second heel portion.

Abstract: A shoe heel includes a rigid heel block that attaches to a shoe sole at the heel seat on the sole and a top lift having a molded base that is located below the heel block such that a space exists between the bottom of the block and the top of the base. This space, along the peripheries of the block and base, contains' a highly resilient skirt, the interior of which is for the most part a void. An elastomeric slug projects from the heel block, through the space, and at its lower end bears against the base of the top lift. The slug, while being resilient, possesses enough firmness to support the weight of an individual over the base of the top lift. The top lift contains pins which project from its base into bores in the heel block to prevent the top lift from rotating under the heel block. The slug, while transferring the weight of the individual to the top lift, attenuates impacts to which the top lift is subjected.

Abstract: A heel surface element for a bowling shoe has a body defining an upper, attachment surface for attachment of the heel surface element upon a heel region of a bowling shoe and a lower, heel surface having a horseshoe-shape surface disposed for engagement upon a bowling alley approach surface during bowling motion and center region surface spaced from contact with the bowling alley approach surface. The center region surface is defined peripherally by the horseshoe-shape surface and extends from a heel front edge towards a heel rear edge. The horseshoe-shape surface tapers from a front thickness in a region adjacent the heel front edge to a second, relatively greater thickness in a region adjacent the heel rear edge. The heel front edge defines a notch extending toward the heel rear edge. The center region surface narrows, curving inwardly from the heel front edge toward the heel rear edge. Each of the heel surface and the horseshoe-shape surface has a rounded front or leading edge.

Abstract: A shoe having a shoe sole with replaceable outsole portions. The shoe sole includes a main sole having a lower support wall with first and second cavities. An insole is disposed within the main sole. First and second lower outsoles are received in the first and second cavities, respectively, and have outer configurations corresponding to the configurations of the cavities thereby forming a snug fit therebetween. Fasteners are inserted through apertures disposed in the outsoles, the main sole, and the insole, releasably securing the outsoles to the main sole. Upon removing the fasteners, the outsoles can be removed and replaced with different outsoles for different conditions and applications or when worn out. The outsoles are formed of two layers, with the upper layer being more rigid than the lower layer to provide a firm surface against which the fastening screw heads can press.

Abstract: A structure for inserting an insert member of an attachment, etc., into a concave receptacle portion embedded in a shoe sole and removably pinching and fixing the insert member inside the concave receptacle portion with an elastic member, the structure being capable of permitting the removal of the attachment with a wrench for a screw. The structure is constituted as follows.

Abstract: A convertible shoe ensemble with a heel that is manually attachable to and removable from the shoe, and a manually attachable and removable heel cover of substantially less height than the heel for attachment to the shoe when the heel is detached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, keys, money, and medication, for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: The shoe has a sole which has a ball section and a heel, the heel having an open middle section under the heel of the foot which is bridged by a bridging element. The bridging element is rigid. The open middle section of the heel can reach as far as the front edge of the heel so that this is U- or C-shaped. The edge section of the bridging element can overlap with the inner edge of the heel. The ball section of the sole can be separated from the heel so that both are connected to the upper part of the shoe without being directly connected to each other, or the bridging element can reach as far as the ball section and overlaps with approximately one third of this.

Abstract: A two-piece shoe bottom system including a platform structure and a hollow interchangeable heel structure. The platform structure comprises a lower forepart portion, a raised rear heel portion, and a middle wedge portion connecting the forepart portion to the raised rear heel portion. The raised rear heel portion is elevated substantially above the forepart portion so that it will correspond to a particular height of the interchangeable heel structure. A reinforcing bolt member is molded to the underside of the raised heel portion of the platform structure. The hollow interchangeable heel structure is detachably attached to the reinforcing bolt member.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, a sole and an adjustable heel assembly including a first heel member connected to the sole at a rear portion thereof and a second heel member arranged at least partially within the first heel member. The second heel member is movable relative to the first member between a first position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a first height and a second position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a second height greater than the first height. In the first position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged partially within the first heel member whereas in the second position of the second heel member, the second heel member is arranged below the first heel member.

Abstract: A rigid midsole structure for footwear extends from the metatarsal area to a rear-most portion proximate the heel of a wearer. The rigid midsole accepts any form of replaceable undercarriage structure, and includes means for attaching the undercarriage structure to the bottom side of the rigid midsole. The rigid midsole is preferably formed with an upper surface configured to conform with the bottom of a wearer's foot to provide sufficient rigidity and comfort.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.